AUTISM: WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. It is often presented in a person within the first 3 years of their life.

It is a neurological disorder based on the normal brain function including development and communication skills. People

with autism often have very different behaviors than those of the rest of the population. Signs and symptoms of autism include

no big smiles or other warm joyful expressions by six months or thereafter, no babbling by 12 months, no words by 16 months,

and no back and forth gestures.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES? IS IT GENETIC?

Autism has a very high risk of being passed on, however, most cases are not hereditary. Quite a few very genetic disorders and

toxic exposures are known to cause autism or autism like symptoms. Most cases are idiopathic, or without known cause. There are

two theories that link autism and vaccines. The first theory suggest that the MMR vaccine may cause intestinal problems leading to

the development of autism.

PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF AUTISM

People who live with autism suffer day to day discrimination, intolerance, and isolation. Awareness of autism is high, but there's a lack

of understanding about what it really mans to live with autism. It has been shown by research that people who know a person has autism

think more positively about the subject. Autism is much more common than many people realize. The effects of autism are also

misunderstood by many people such as the difficulty of communication.

TREATMENTS AND CONTROVERSIES OF TREATMENTS

Treatments for Autism are mainly therapies. Whether it's a physical therapy or a speech therapy, The treatments are always specialized

for every individual. The controversies for the therapies are minimal because the families have to agree on the therapies the patients attend.

Medicines are a different story. Some parents deny that their child is autistic when they're young because it's hard to notice and deny

the therapy. Although as they get older, the medicines they take are required and the parents eventually believe that it's real when they see

the difference in their child's behavior.

LINKED DISORDERS

Asperger's syndrome - http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome-symptoms

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome-symptoms
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-treatment-overview